Quick and Easy #2

This recipe is so flavorful and so quick to make... we love it!

I have never come up with a great creative name for it, so on my weekly meal plan I always call it TJ's Chicken Sausage Pasta. (I usually buy the chicken sausage from Trader Joe's. But what I used in tonight's recipe is actually from Costco, and is just as good).

So here you go!

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Total time: 20 min.
Servings: 4


Ingredients

• 1/2 lb. whole wheat spaghetti
• 1 package pre-cooked chicken sausage (5-6 links per package) (Try any flavor! The one in tonight's meal was spinach-garlic-asiago cheese from Costco. Trader Joe's has several other flavors as well).
• Olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder (or more if you love garlic)
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1/2 c. sliced oil-packed sundried tomatoes
• 1 can artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained, and cut into fourths
• 2-3 tbsp. pine nuts
• 2-3 handfuls of spinach leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Get the spaghetti started cooking. 
• Slice the sausage links and saute them with a splash of olive oil plus the onion, garlic, and basil. Saute the sausage until the pieces are browning a just a little.
• Throw in the sundried tomatoes. Drizzle a little of the oil from the jar of tomatoes into the pan. This adds flavor. 
• Continue sauteing for 2-3 minutes, and then throw in the artichoke hearts and the pine nuts. If the pan gets dry, drizzle in a little olive oil.
• Saute for 2-3 minutes more in order to blend the flavors. 
• Taste and see if you need to add salt and pepper.
• Just before you are ready to serve, toss in the handfuls of spinach leaves. Saute until they start to wilt and turn bright green. Drizzle with olive oil if the pan gets dry. 
• Serve on top of the spaghetti! 
• I usually make a side salad with this dish, which is what I did tonight. 

Enjoy!